There’s something about mushrooms ~ quiet, mysterious, essential ~ that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re a forager, a dreamer, or just fungus-curious, here’s a selection of mushroom-inspired books that have taken root in my mind over time.
These are affiliate links, which means if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you (thank you for helping a small business in this difficult economic climate!).
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1. Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
A poetic, mind-expanding journey into the fungal kingdom. Sheldrake explores how fungi shape our world and challenge our ideas of individuality. There is now an illustrated version. Also: the author grew mushrooms on his own book. Iconic.
Affiliate link to Entangled Life on Amazon… but you can buy this one from me on Abe books too if it’s still available.
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2. Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets
A fungi classic. Stamets dives deep into how mushrooms can help save the world ~ from restoring ecosystems to creating sustainable technologies.
Affiliate link to Mycelium Running
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3. The Mushroom at the End of the World by Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing
An anthropological look at the matsutake mushroom and its unexpected role in post-capitalist survival. Beautifully written and strangely comforting.
Affiliate link to The Mushroom at the End of the World
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4. Collins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and Toadstools
Ideal for UK foragers. A clear, practical guide with photos and habitat info. Pop it in your rucksack and head to the woods.
Affiliate link to Collins Guide
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5. Mushrooms by Roger Phillips
The mushroom guide that serious foragers swear by. It’s chunky, detailed, and beautifully photographed.
Affiliate link to Roger Phillips’ Mushrooms
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6. Kew – The Magic of Mushrooms: Fungi in folklore, superstition and traditional medicine (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
A dreamy and practical journey through the folklore and medicinal use of mushrooms. Great for folklorists, and mushroom healers alike.
Affiliate link to The Magic of Mushrooms
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7. Fictional Fungi: A Bonus Pick
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a gothic horror with mycelial surprises. If you like your fungi spooky, this one’s for you.
Affiliate link to Mexican Gothic
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I’ll be adding to this list as I come across more fungal treasures. Feel free to share your favourites with me on Twitter or Instagram!
Let’s keep the mushroom conversation growing.
…and for any other Mushroom books like Fungarium pictured above or any other books in general ~ if you want to help our bookshop please consider using our affiliate link to search anything in Amazon ~ I will love you forever….